The Toyota Prius in Carbon Fiber Trim - Green Style

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28qBUdBOSlQ]

Body Styles and Trim Options

As any enthusiast is sure to know, the Toyota Prius was completely redesigned for the 2004 model year and so was Rvinyl's custom dashboard kit. For the second generation, the Prius was sold only as a four door hatch (I guess that's not considered a wagon anymore) but there are a host of options available. The standard features are surprisingly ample and include the following:

• power windows
• locks and mirrors
• air conditioning
• tilt steering wheel
• six-speaker CD stereo
• trip computer
• 15-inch aluminum wheels

And what's more, you get all of this for under $20K.

The Exterior - Surprisingly Aerodynamic

Most people don't equate the Prius with speed or aerodynamics but, according to Toyota’s executive engineer, it has a drag coefficient of 0.26 which makes it one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world. This remains true despite the fact that the length of the Prius has increased by about 5-inches and has added 90 pounds to its weight. But it is precisely the shape of the five door lift-back that gives it its impressive cargo hauling capability and room for four adults.

The Interior - Space Age Meets Tree Hugger

Although a large part of the design cues from the original Prius were carried over to the second generation, it must be said that Toyota put some thought into updated the overall look and giving the Prius a more sophisticated appearance. The addition of metallic accent trim on the dash vents and center console helps to add to the futuristic appeal and the over sized gauge cluster gives the cockpit an almost cartoonish feel. Push button start completes the feel of being in a space car and the overall layout of the dash and controls only contribute to the effect.

Custom Dash Kits for Your Prius

Rvinyl custom dashboard kits for the 2004 - 2009 Toyota Prius come pre-cut with all of the accent trim any restyler would want. In addition, we offer a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from. Whether you're looking for a burlwood dash kit or a gloss red kit we have just what you need. Other benefits of Rvinyl dash kits include:

• Full online diagram of each dash kit which clearly shows the pieces included in the kit
• Discounted replacement pieces offered on site
• Rvinyl dash kits are semi-permanent and can be removed at will without causing damage

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the real reason you're here, the customer installation photos. Thanks for stopping buy and don't for get to check out our other Toyota accessories before you go.

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The Toyota Prius - A Car to Save the World

The Prius is confirmed to be one of the most well-known hybrids in the US and it's is primarily due to the reputation of Toyota itself. Add to that sensible design and a practical, city-sized ride and you have a car everyone can feel much better about buying and looking good while doing so.

The Prius was launched as a lightweight automobile globally in 2000 although launch of the Prii started in Asia beginning in 1997. The first gen Prius in the US was a great success due to its mixture of contemporary features and design along with its ranking as an Ultra-Low Exhaust Automobile which offered customers the opportunity to get a $2000 tax credit for their purchase.

In 2004 the Prius was remodeled as a mid-size liftback designed to fill the gap between the Camry and the Corolla. Besides all of the other upgrades it is now categorized as a SULEV (Super Extremely Low Pollutants Vehicle) and is certified by Florida Air Sources Panel as an “Advanced Technological innovation Partially Zero Exhaust Vehicle” (AT-PZEV).

So, what do all of the elegant shortened forms really mean? Well, according to the EPA, this year's Prius gets an impressive 48 mpg in the town and 45 mpg on the road. But, asides from the considerable benefits Prius owners enjoy due to its great fuel-economy, the Prius also tells the world that you're environmentally conscious and responsible. The beauty of the car though is that it looks like what you anticipate to see in a hybrid: its got innovative styling cues, flared and expanded headlamps and a liftback that makes your vehicle look like a space probe you would expect to see in intergalactic space.

2011 Honda CR-Z - Honda's Hybrid Answer to the Prius

This year's CR-Z is designed to be the heir to the Insight and to gain control of the hybrid market. For most of the first decade of the Twenty-first Century sales of all Honda hybrids fell far short to those of the Prius alone. Unsurprisingly, Honda hopes that the 2011 CR-Z will be the answer to their prayers.

From the outside, the 2011 CR-Z is squat and menacing but with a huge, clear hatch lid that continues to be modern even though it seems to have been taken straight from the old Insight. The CR-Z's device panel's structure, lighting and style, which create the revolutionary internal look while staying true to Honda's obsession with the functional.

All in all, the CR-Z seems to straddle the fence between green and boy-racer without completely perfecting either. Despite this reality, the CR-Z is an eye-catching ride with modern style hints within and without. Perhaps the best aspect of the CR-Z visual is discovered in the style of the back hatch out and over-sized taillights.

Rvinyl Performance Partners with ACC to Bring High-End Accessories to Customers

Rvinyl Performance Partners with ACC to Bring High-End Accessories to Customers

New York City, New York, August 14^th 2012 – Rvinyl.com Inc, a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive accessories has partnered with American Car Craft (ACC), manufacturer and designer of high-quality, custom-made stainless steel automotive accessories.  The development represents the next logical step for Rvinyl which has been integrating more traditional aftermarket accessories into its marketplace network which were previously dedicated almost exclusively to the sale of tint and film products which they designed and manufactured themselves.  The partnership is expected to bring ACC unique and high-end offerings to a larger customer base while simultaneously rounding out Rvinyl’s aftermarket accessory lines by providing luxury, custom options to those customers willing to pay more for quality and real stainless steel. Both ACC and Rvinyl have been major players in aftermarket auto accessory circles but their customers had rarely crossed paths as they had, until recently, focused on entirely different market segments. Rvinyl, founded in 2003, was for most of its history devoted almost solely to the design and manufacture of vinyl auto accessories.  Among the products for which Rvinyl is best known are the self-adhesive vinyl dash kit, headlight and taillight tints, window tint and a wide array of unique vehicle graphics and decals. The fact that Rvinyl has been, since its inception, an online only retailer allowed it to make inroads into marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon that remained largely untouched by brick-and-mortar businesses and manufacturers. American Car Craft (ACC) is a design company, dedicated to developing unique high quality products. With more than thirty years of experience customizing Late Model Muscle Cars, Chevrolet Corvettes, Camaros, Ford Mustangs, Raptor Trucks, Dodge Challengers, Chargers, Magnums, Vipers, Ram Trucks, Classic Hot Rods, Exotics, Minis, Miatas, Scions, Limousines, Vans and more they have developed a truly unique approach in catering to the aftermarket auto accessory community. Their product design concepts are based on flat 304 Stainless Steel sheet materials that are laser cut and then hand formed and crafted to produce truly amazing, high quality accessories you just won’t find from any other company. Our product line specialty is in the engine bay and continues throughout the vehicle to include custom grilles, stainless steel interior and exterior trim to state of the art digital graphics. Rvinyl has recently completed a major product integration and is excited to offer the restyling community ACC accessories for Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hummer and Pontiac vehicles at their website www.rvinyl.com.

Permalink: http://rvinyl.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/rvinyl-performance-partners-with-acc-to-bring-high-end-accessories-to-customers/

Toyota RAV4 EV-A Review

All New Electric Toyota with Class Leading Features

The Toyota RAV4 is among the favorite off-road vehicles of passionate and enthusiastic drivers who love to enjoy adventurous trips with added comfort. Are you fan of Toyota vehicles and waiting for some surprises? Get Ready to drive an exciting new and improved RAV4 EV that will be available at the end of summers.

Toyota division group vice president and general manager Bill Fay said, “The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800, with available combined federal and state incentives of up to $10,000, the RAV4 EV is a practical, versatile option for the EV enthusiast.”

Toyota produced this stylish model in cooperation with Tesla Motors, Tesla specially designed its battery. Chief Engineer for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing Greg Bernas said, “Developing the RAV4 EV with Tesla gave us the opportunity to work with a leading-edge Silicon Valley company. Tesla brought their EV Powertrain expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. We brought our customer – first focus and decades of production experience to the project. It wasn’t always an easy process but I think we succeeded in blending our strengths and learning from one another.”

The Creative team of engineers equipped RAV4 EV with class leading features of SUV and tried their best to make its interior outclass with full luxury features. Moreover other performance elements include improved aerodynamic styling and performance driven electric Powertrain.

Powertrain

You will have smoother driving experience because Toyota has equipped it with high quality liquid cool battery pack with thermal management system.

Driving Modes

You are free to choose between following driving modes i.e.

Normal: In normal mode, you can attain speed from 0-60mph in just 8.6 seconds.
Sport: In Sport mode you can move from 0 to 60mph in just 7 seconds.

Charging Modes

Toyota RAV4 EV offers following charging modes;

Standard: In this mode, the high capacity battery charges equal to 35kWh and you can travel up to 92 miles.
Extended: In this mode, you can utilize the full capacity of battery i.e. 41.8kWh and achieve and EPA ratings of 113 miles.

Exterior

The Exterior of this lavish vehicle is enhanced by Low Beam LED Headlights that produce wonderful results with a high beam halogen projector. You can also readjust the headlights according to the level/weight requirements.

Available Exterior Colors

Toyota RAV4 EV will be available in following colors;

• Blizzard Pearl
•  Shoreline Blue Pearl
•  Classic Silver Metallic
•  Super White

Interior

You will surely fall in love with this Toyota vehicle after enjoying a first ride, its interior offers you added comfort and this comfort is provided with adjustable and comfortable seats which can be adjusted according to body posture especially Driver seat can be adjusted in 6-ways. Cargo space is improved by rear seats that can be easily adjusted with reclining position. Its total cargo capacity is almost 74 cubic feet. Intellitouch Capacitive Touch Screen is the main interior feature of Toyota RAV4 EV.

Safety Features

Don’t worry! You can safely drive this RAV4 model because it is equipped with following high quality safety features;

•  Advanced Side Airbags
•  Active Headrests
•  Roll Curtain Side Air Bags for 1st and 2nd Row
•  STAR Safety System as standard feature

Moreover you can also avail the opportunity of Toyota Safety Connect on trial subscription basis for 3 years.

Executive Program Manager for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America Sheldon Brown said, “A prime design target for all Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles featuring traction batteries is to maintain battery structural integrity and electrical isolation internal to the battery. The RAV4 EV battery and chassis are designed as a system to protect against battery ‘isolation loss’ during a crash, meaning the electrical energy is completely contained within the battery preventing any conductive path to the vehicle body. Electrical components and chassis are designed as a system to protect occupants, first responders and the battery pack itself.”

41 Innovative Environmental Projects Win Over $1 Million In Funding From Audubon And Toyota

Toyota and the National Audubon Society today awarded over $1 million inTogetherGreen Innovation Grants funding to 41 innovative environmental projects nationwide. This year’s winning projects involve more than 150 conservation, environmental justice and community organizations working collaboratively on habitat, water and energy conservation. Many of the projects focus on engaging audiences that have traditionally been underrepresented in the conservation movement, from landowners to religious communities to inner-city students.

“Groups that won Innovation Grants this year have ingenuity and creativity on full display. And that’s what it takes to tackle the environmental challenges we face today,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold. “I’m proud to partner with these innovators in creative approaches to achieve healthier communities and big conservation results.”

Sample projects that will receive 2012 funding include:

• Habitat: In Connecticut, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Student Conservation Association will create Audubon WildLife Guards, a Coastal Stewardship and Youth Conservation Training Program inBridgeport, Conn. The program will provide green job training, mentoring and employment opportunities for high school students who will work to protect threatened beach nesting birds on Pleasure Beach, the largest intact barrier beach in the state.
• Water: In Kansas, Friends of the Kaw, Inc., along with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Topeka Audubon Society and Jayhawk Audubon Society will launch the “Save Soldier Creek” campaign to minimize stormwater runoff  in the rural Soldier Creek watershed – reducing pollution and improving water quality and bird habitat).
• Energy: In Arizona, Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center and Arizona Interfaith Power & Light will broaden its Footprints of Faith campaign to African American and Latino churches in Phoenix and Tucsonpromoting steps congregations can take to reduce their carbon footprints.
• Engaging diverse audiences in conservation: In North Carolina, Wild South and its partners North Carolina Audubon Society, High Country Audubon Society, National Forests of NC and the Western North Carolina Alliance will reach out to military servicemen and women and nearby Asheville residents to involve them in controlling non-native invasive plants, monitoring bird populations, and educating the public on environmental issues. The goal of the project is to preserve the wilderness character and rare species habitat of the Linville Gorge Wilderness, one of the most rugged and scenic areas in the East.

“Toyota and Audubon really share in the belief that environmental change starts at the grassroots level,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation. “We’re so proud to support this year’s Innovation Grants, which embody TogetherGreen’s commitment to conservation, innovation and diversity.”

Courtesy of US Politics Today

The Top 5 Electric Cars on the Market

With all of the dire predictions about the environment more and the high cost of gas, more and more people are expressing interest in purchasing completely electric cars. In the following breif post we will take a moment to list the most popular, gas-free vehicles on the market.

1. Nissan is the first automaker to produce an all electric volume in any real volume and, as we have already showcased in a previous post, this vehicle is the Leaf. Nissan Leaf The 2012 Leaf includes DC Fast Charge and backup camera and has a price tag of under $40K. The great thing about the Leaf is that it is battery-electric with a 100-mile range per charge.
   
2. GM currently offers the plug-in hybrid Volt but its first completely gasless vehicle will be the Chevy Spark. According to GM the Spark is the quintessential city-car destined to compete for parking spaces with Smart cars and Mini's from Manhattan to LA. Check out this interesting little blurb from the product page:
   

   Spark be nimble, Spark be quick

   Spark is compact, so we worked a little harder to pack in
   all the attitude we could. What is attitude? It’s five doors’ and
   four seats’ worth of “bring your friends along.” It’s parking
   where most fear to parallel. So the next time someone says
   it’s impossible to keep a car in the city, you can turn to them,
   smile and tell them why they’re wrong.

3. The Ford Focus Electric is available now and is meant to compete directly with the Leaf fro non-gas supremacy. The Focus Electric is, however, a little pricier than the $35K Leaf coming in at around $40K before taxes and title. An interesting side note us that, beginning in 2013, hybrids will also have electric motors and lithium batteries as Ford invests heavily in an electric future. 
   
4. The Mitsubishi i (poor name to be sure but maybe they're trying to capitalize on Apple's success with the vowel) can be reserved for a cool $30K which makes it a steal in comparison to the competition. Closely related but slightly larger than its Japanese cousin, the more powerful U.S. version of the iMiEV has an electric range of 62 miles (EPA adjusted) with a 16kWh lithium battery.
   
5. Our last entry for today is the 2013 Fit EV and will be priced at $36,625. The new EV will use Blue Energy lithium-ion batteries.
   
   Anyone who is interested in a more complete break-down of both the hybrid and completely electric vehicles beig offered in 2012 and 2013 should definitely check out the following link: http://www.cleanfleetreport.com/top-electric-cars-2010/
   
   Thanks for reading and look forward to our next post where we will look into the enviromental impact of all-electric as copared to gas only vehicles. Be well!

Pico y Placa - One City's Novel Way to Reduce Pollution and Congestion

On a recent trip to Ecuador for vacation and to visit family I was impressed by what Quitenos refer to as "pico y placa" which is a law which mandates when a person can use their automobile. In essence "pico" refers to rush-hour (forget about the literal meaning of the word because if you look it up in a dictionary you'll just find that it means "beak") and "placa" is the license plate of a car (the English cognate is "plaque" which kind of makes sense to me anyway). The last digit of your plate number determines which day of the week you cannot use your car between the hours of 7 and 9:30AM and 4PM to 7:30PM.

Some might say that this is more than a major annoyance and that it is an outright assault on personal liberty but I, personally, support the program and would love to see it instituted in NYC and other large North American cities like Toronto, Los Angeles and Chicago. This type of program was first brought into effect in the Columbian city of Bogota and adopted by Quito in 2010. The fines which increase steeply with each infraction and result in impound and jail time on the fourth occurrence are intended primarily to reduce traffic but have the added benefit of reducing pollution from idling cars.

Now, most of my family in Quito think "pico y placa" is a horrible idea and suggest that it has resulted in people buying and registering more cars to circumvent the law but I just don't think so. Ecuador, although steadily developing is still not rife with millionaires and the average salary in Quito is about $300 per month. People making this kind of money are simply not going to be buying new cars so they can drive on one day a week. Rather, it seems that people are being more strategic with their vehicle use and have adapted rather well. I hope to see more low-tech, high-concept ideas for green car use in the future and will be sure to keep my eye out so I can bring you more of this type of news.

"Environmental Art License Plate Frame"
Eco Touch DR-WCW24 Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash 24 oz.
Environmental Test System COO311519 Test Coolant Strip 50-Tube
Eco-look Wood Grain Dash Kits

Your Car's Carbon Footprint and the Zero Fuel Alternatives

We hate to be Debbie Downers at the GAB but with carbon in the atmosphere reaching historic quantities we can't really afford not to draw attention to the facts. Take a look a some of the figures published by  HybridCars.com:

A gallon of gasoline weighs just over 6 pounds. When burned, the carbon in it combines with oxygen from the air to produce nearly 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2). By switching from a gas guzzler to a hybrid, you can literally save the earth a couple of tons of greenhouse gases.

• U.S. cars and light trucks together consume 8.2 million barrels of oil each day. This translates to more than 300 million metric tons of carbon that comes from our cars and trucks every year.
• Our transportation CO2 emissions are the largest source (about one-third) of our CO2 emissions, more than factories, homes, and all other sources.
• According to Environmental Defense, over the past decade and a half, all auto companies have increased their carbon burden by some degree or another. GM is the biggest global warmer, but Prius-producing Toyota has increased its output at an even higher rate.

 Warmer temperatures could spell disaster for any number of reasons ranging from increased range of disease carrying insects to flooding to famine. So, let's all ty to do our part by switching to hybrid or zero-fuel cars like the Nissan Leaf  http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index.

Once you've got your hybrid or no-fuel car consider adding energy saving window tint from an environmentally responsible company such as eWindowTint.com who manufacture on a small scale and take advantage of per-exisiting urban infrastructure in NYC.

Urban Manufacturing - Saving Our Economies and Environment

As the civilization goes into an uncertain economic and ecological future one promising reaction from the world of commerce is the idea of mini-manufacturing. Micro-manufacturing is simply a new term for an old concept: assemble and produce products on a human scale.

Although the impetus are myriad for turning to small-scale manufacturing there are three primary reasons for any company to choose micro-manufacturing over bigger outsourcing operations: precision, use of limited resources and greater control over the production process.

All across the US little producers are taking up in significant places. These producers are generally niche manufacturers but whether one points to American Apparel in downtown LA or to Rvinyl, a producer of auto film and components, in the heart of mid-town New york (not typically an area associated with vehicle parts and products) the trend of job loss to outsourcers may be waning.


Read more here:

http://colabradio.mit.edu/city-made-the-case-for-small-urban-manufacturers/

Going Green in Your Car

Currently the environmental situation of our planet looks pretty dire and automobiles and their assorted aftermarket parts and accessories certainly seem to be a great contributor to the damage being done. Although this blog was originally intended to focus on tints and cheap car modifications exclusively we felt that we just couldn't make that our exclusive focus because to do so would be environmentally irresponsible. Besides, there are plenty of other blogs out there concerned solely with products and that have no concern for environmental ethics or the future of humanity on our planet.

Despite the fact that the focus of the blog has changed somewhat we will still be discussing car accessories and new automotive technologies that help to create a more sustainable society. I hope to post frequently throughout the coming months and that our efforts will be appreciated. Take care!

Related Links:
Hot, Flat, and Crowded - Environmental
Eco-Products Compostable Dinner Plate - 9" - 500 ct. - Plates

The Dodge Neon SRT-4 - Girls, Girls, Girls

Before we begin the SRT-4 is the efficiency version of the well-known Fluorescent that is well-known in the vehicle car ports and shopping shopping center vehicle plenty throughout the US. The SRT-4 was developed when Chrysler was still in the hands of the Germans and was developed by their in-house adjusting group then known as PVO (which appears for Performance Vehicle Operations).




In 2004 the PVO was prudently relabeled Street Racing and Techmology innovation (you now see the SRT connection don't you). The 4 in the SRT-4 is a sign of the variety of valves of the turbocharged website. Hopefully the labeling of the SRT-4 is a little less mysterious now and you can rest simpler for it.

The SRT-4 is an amazing looking vehicle and incredibly quick at that. The top part chairs of your vehicle involved additional back again and part support to be able to aid in street racing relaxation. What's excellent about the 2004 SRT-4 is that it comes with the inside pre-tuned with an replica CF rim, transmitting encompass (the factor that goes around the shifter) and a silk gold tennis ball shifter manage. These elements along with the exclusive SRT speedo and HVAC features and encompasses really offer it the perfect program for the addition of an as well as fibre sprint decrease kit.

Ever hear of Squidoo? Well, check out Rvinyl's page on smoked headlight tint here if you haven't http://www.squidoo.com/headlight-tints

Smoked Headlight Kits

Pre-cut smoked headlight kits and smoke-out wrap kits from manufacturers like Rvinyl.com are taking the aftermarket auto accessory world by storm. These non-permanent kits give you the style you're looking for at a price you won't be able to refuse. Available in blackout, dark smoke, light smoke, blue smoke, red out, green smoke, purple smoke andpink smoke varieties you are sure to find just the right self-adhesive tint for your tastes.

Dark Smoke Headlight Tint

Pre-cut and Uncut Rtint Kits

Rvinyl's Dark Smoke Rtint is available in both sheets of uncut film and in pre-cut kits which are specific to the year, make and model of your choice,

Get sheets of uncut film in lengths of up to 50yd here: http://www.rvinyl.com/head-light-tint-dark-smoke.html

Smoked Headlight Tint Links

A list of links where you can purchase smoked headlight tints and browse articles and photos about smoked tints.

Rvinyl Headlight Tints

Headlight tint kits are precut tint film that apply over your OEM headlights. Designed to change the headlight housing shade to a smoked, blue, yellow or other tinted shade without having to remove your headlights. These kits are adhesive backed and engineered to be heat applied to your existing lights as an alternative to tint sprays. These kits can be removed at anytime and are even perfect for leased vehicles as they do not damage your headlights.

Rvinyl Headlight Tint Film

Rtint Headlight Smoked Tint Film is available in dark smoke, light smoke, blue and yellow tint shades. Rvinyl.com is first to market with the world's premier heat conformed tint film. These Tint Film Kits are a perfect compliment to our Pre-Cut Headlight and Tail Light Tint lines. Use your imagination and create your won custom designed headlight tint.

The 2009 Chevy Malibu - Precut Taillight Accessories for under $20.00

A look at the headlight tint kit available for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.

Blackout Static-Cling Visor - A Pre-cut Kit for the Classic 1991 Accord

One of our recent product additions (well, I guess it's not so recent as we've been carrying them now for at least a year) is the static-cling visor which we offer in both universal and pre-cut, vehicle specific versions.

The 2003 Mazda RX-8 - A Veritable Mongoose in a Snake Pit

The 2003 Mazda RX-8 represented the next evolutionary phase of the venerable tradition which made Mazda the winner of the 1991 Le Mans and marked the return of the Wankel rotary engine which had gone the way of the dinosaur with the end of the RX-7 in 1995.

Rvinyl Goes to Vegas - 2011 Mitsubish Lancer in Pink Smoke at SEMA

Rvinyl got a lot of great pics and met some of the tuner and aftermarket accessory big boys out in Las Vegas. The photos above were taken in Vegas and show a pinked-out (if that's even a word) Lancer.